Cooking with Nivia Private Chef Events — Local services in San Juan

Chef Nivia's authentic Puerto Rican cooking experience is a must do when visiting San Juan. While the island has many sights to see and a ton of beaches to visit, Chef Nivia's cooking experience is what will really make your visit worthwhile.

The day started with Chef Nivia keeping us updated about her location and when we were going to meet up. Once we got to the market she introduced her self and gave us a nice history of the island, their food, their food consumption and how it has changed over time.

After this, she gave us a small tour of the market introducing us to some unique and local ingredients.

She then communicated with all of us and came up with a few dishes that would satisfy all of us and bought ingredients accordingly.

We then headed back to her place where the experience began with some refreshing drinks. She had everything prepped to show us how to make tostones, a vegetarian stew and some guava pastries as well!

We all cooked together, took lots of pictures and had a blast. Chef Nivia has a way of making you feel like you are a part of her family, we felt like we were right at home visiting a relative we hadn't seen in a while.

The experience ended with all of us sitting down and sharing the meal we had all cooked, followed by some coffee.

Chef Nivia's cooking experience was an absolute blast and one of the best thing we did when visiting the island. We'll be back soon and we'll definitely stop by to see her again!

If you see her make sure to ask her who ate all the...

A Truly Heartfelt and Flavorful Experience Dining with Chef Nivia was an unforgettable experience—one that nourished both our bodies and our spirits. Her food was rich in flavor yet light and balanced, with sauces so fresh and vibrant you could literally smell the local herbs dancing in the air. The pastelón de yautía was a standout favorite among our group—comforting, creative, and absolutely delicious. Chef Nivia curated a menu that not only celebrated Puerto Rico’s incredible local ingredients but also thoughtfully adapted to our team’s diverse dietary needs. Every dish was intentional, deeply rooted in culture, and presented with so much care. Even the juice was a hit—so fresh and tasty it was practically chuggable! What truly set the experience apart was the service and the story behind the meal. Chef Nivia welcomed us like family. She shared her journey, the realities of Puerto Rican agriculture, and the importance of preserving traditional Boricua recipes. Her passion and joy for her work shone through in every word and bite. The presentation was just as beautiful as the flavors—bright, inviting, and full of purpose. Every detail was infused with love and intention.

Thank you, Chef Nivia, for such a meaningful and delicious experience. Super wow!...

We had the absolute pleasure of having Chef Nivia cook for us during my friend’s bachelorette in San Juan PR this past July 2025, and it was truly an unforgettable experience! From start to finish, everything she prepared was beautifully crafted, full of flavor, and presented with such care.

She created a stunning multi-course meal that felt both authentic and elevated: a refreshing watermelon and goat cheese salad, perfectly seasoned appetizers, a gorgeous main plate with steak, rice, vegetables, avocado, and a chimichurri to die for! Also had the most delicious cheesecake dessert topped with caramelized plantains. Each dish was vibrant, fresh, and absolutely delicious. To top it all off, she also prepared a tropical cocktail garnished with starfruit – a fun and festive touch that made the evening feel extra special.

Beyond the food, Chef Nivia was warm, professional, and made us feel completely at ease so we could enjoy our night. It was the perfect way to celebrate such a special occasion, and we’re so grateful for the love she and her team poured into every detail.

If you’re visiting Puerto Rico and want an amazing private dining experience, we highly recommend Chef...